In the development of word recognition skills, self-discovery may not be the most efficacious mode of learning, and it may be useful to isolate or fractionate cognitive components. Successful intervention directed at word recognition involves exogenous constructivism, in which explicit instruction and teacher-directed strategy teaching are not…

This article examines constructivism in terms of the learner, the content, teacher-student interactions, motivation, and assessment; evaluates mathematics standards and their sensitivity to students with mild/moderate disabilities; and identifies 19 instructional components derived from constructivism, focusing on teacher behaviors, teacher…

This pair of rejoinders to Rainforth (EC 609 966) by the original authors stresses that commitment to an educational philosophy (such as the inclusion philosophy) should not override the educational needs of individual students with mental retardation. The lack of empirical support for many such educational philosophies is also noted. (DB)

The applied linguist, who most commonly uses interlanguage analysis for nonstandard language forms, and the language teacher, who relies heavily on error analysis, each need to learn the usefulness and viability of the other method in his own professional context. Examples focus on the written preterit form in Spanish. (44 references) (Author/MSE)

Presents annotations of nine documents and journal articles from the ERIC database that discuss the theory and rationale for exploiting the connections between reading and writing and ways to stress the connection through the use of integrated reading and writing. (MG)

Expresses concern that higher education teaches subject matter thoroughly at the expense of teaching method. Finds the opposite to be true of graduates of teacher training institutes. Sees these students' strengths as teaching methodology and understanding of children, not their subject matter. Urges development of experimental proving grounds in…

An experimenting society is one that vigorously tries out proposed solutions to recurrent problems and then tries other alternatives if evaluation shows that previous efforts are ineffective or harmful. Methods that social scientists could use if the experimenting society becomes a reality are explored. (SLD)

Describes some of the challenges facing counselor education faculties in the twenty-first century and why counselor training programs must be more assertive in addressing cultural competency issues as they relate to counseling theories, practice, and research. Provides strategies that may be used in program and curricula development. (Author/NB)

Research indicates that token rewards of students have negative consequences. Using this as an example, school board members who are asked to support proposals for new programs should refuse to consider programs not grounded in substantive research and to expect staff members to develop a program-planning process that includes indepth research…

Discusses Barrett Wendell's theory of discourse, including a critique of his definitions and an assessment of his discourse scheme. Challenges the image of Wendell as a technocrat who never rose above a consideration of style to examine more significant rhetorical issues. (MG)

Discusses an extra-credit project offered to students in introductory U.S. government courses. Describes a student journal to be kept throughout the semester over one of four specified topics. Concludes that the project allowed the student to connect material over the entire semester while learning about sources covering politics and the tension…

Discusses some historical precedents and current examples of how English educators manifest a particular habit of mind (reducing the general and fluid "writing process" to "The Writing Process"). Considers reasons why people are so attracted to it. Explores the difficulties associated with this habit of mind rather than argue…

The article highlights the issues and important principles of infusing research and practice into the personnel preparation process for the field of vision disabilities. It discusses significant research and practice changes, current challenges facing the field, and considerations for the next 20 years. (SM)

The main differences between pragmatism and scientific realism seem to focus on the certainty of knowledge. Pragmatists contend that one can never be entirely certain of one's beliefs, whereas scientific realists argue that progress has been, and can be, made in explaining things about the world. (SLD)

Examines Germany's preservice and inservice teacher education, noting the role of educational research (ER). The paper discusses agencies and partners in the promotion of ER, dissemination of ER, its impact on policy and practice, priorities and trends in ER, and research and the status of teachers and teacher education. (SM)